Golf BruceGreySimcoe

Free Copy

Vol. 14, No. 1

BRUCEGREYSIMCOE

May 2018

New pro at Saugeen Jerry Noga, who has had instruction from many teaching greats, is one of several new pros in area

Sam makes it to PGA Tour (as caddy)

Book our FREE Shuttle Service

for parties of 4 to 18 People (and your clubs) We’ll pick you up and get you home safely.

Yes we go to Owen Sound and Port Elgin.

Not a Golfer - Not a Problem!

Bring the whole gang for a dinner party at 3 km east of Sauble Beach Ph: 519-422-1052

Bogey’s

Direct Shuttle Line: 519-422-3366

Pub & Eatery

SaubleGolf.com

S

More stories to share with you

uper Senior

Welcome to first editon of 2018

C

addyshack is my all-time favourite golf movie and I’m a big fan of Bill Murray’s work in the 1980 comedy as Carl the greenskeeper.

So when I saw a photo online of Murray with Legacy Ridge Golf Operations Manager Sam McEvenue I had to know more. That led to an interview with Sam who also shared with me the story of his adventure as a caddy at a PGA Tour event over the winter.

Steve Harron And now, in my first edition of the season, I get to share with you these From the stories - and more!

Publisher It’s the best part of my job, something I’ve had the pleasure of doing for nearly 14 years. I love golf and consider it a privilege to cover the local golf scene. And I’m also very aware that it is only because of the support I’ve received that am able to do this.

So as we begin the 2018 season, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to readers and advertisers. You have been awesome and I look forward to another great season.

You’ll notice a few changes in this edition, most notably a revamped front-page look and an upgrade on the print quality. This is all part of my effort to better serve the local golf community.

Hope you like the changes and - as always - I welcome your feedback. Enjoy! harronmarketing@gmail.com Check out our NEW WEBSITE at: www.walkertongc.com For information or bookings contact: information@walkertongcc.com

Seniors Day:

Every Wednesday • $27 for non-members, 9 holes with cart

Ladies Night

Every Tuesday • 5:30 p.m. shotgun start • $27 for non-members

519-881-0709

Men’s Night:

Every Thursday • 3 p.m. & 5:45 p.m. shotgun starts • $27 for non-members, 9 holes with cart

walkertongcc.com

Rowland’s Your Independent Grocer

Steve Harron Publisher/Editor

Golf BruceGreySimcoe is a publication of Harron Marketing, 200 Beattie Street, Owen Sound, Ont. N4K 6X3 Telephone: 519-374-5759

P

PAUL PARKER

aul Parker of Owen Sound has shot his age or better more than 30 times but one of the more memorable occasions was last year when he shot 75 (+3) at Sauble Golf and Country Club. He was 83 at the time and was helped by an ace on the fourth hole.

He plays three times a week with his brothers Harry and Ken (Beano) and often times Paul Tindall will take the fourth spot in the group.

He starting playing golf around age 16 and has been a regular player ever since. His handicap has been as low as 8 and is now around 12 and he has won his share of prizes at men’s nights and invitationals. He has even won a green jacket - the prize awarded to flight winners at a men’s invitational at Saugeen Golf Club.

His best round was a 71 at Owen Sound Golf and Country Club where he was a member for about 35 years. That occurred when the course was only 9 holes and the par over two rounds was 72. The club, now known as Legacy Ridge Golf Club, added a second nine in 1975 and the par is now 71.

BRUCEGREYSIMCOE

harronmarketing@gmail.com golfbrucegreysimcoe.com

1244 Highway 21, Port Elgin 519-389-6800

Grey-Bruce Golf is published 4 times each year from May until September and is distributed free throughout the BruceGreySimcoe region. All rights are reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph, statistic, schedule or artwork, whether whole or in part, without the permission of the publisher/editor, is prohibited. Letters from readers are always welcome. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification purposes.

Page 2

www.golfbrucegreysimcoe.com

Rollercoaster ride in Michigan Rachael Rier experiences highs and lows during her first year at Davenport University

R

“It was really a learning curve for me. achael Rier is only 19 years old but Experiencing these different tournaments and already she has figured out that the game going through swing changes taught me of golf can be your best friend or your patience more than anything. I’ve always worst enemy, depending on the day. struggled with the mental aspect of my game, And that was a good thing as the Hanover and this year I proved to myself just how resident completed an up-and-down year as a important a good mindset is during a round.” member of the Davenport University women’s “Some days you show up at the course and golf team. you can’t do anything wrong and you’re “As we all know, golf can be extremely ecstatic. Other days you’re hooking everyrewarding or terribly cruel, and my scores thing and can’t make a putt. It’s all about reflected this. I shot my worst three-day tournalearning to be patient with yourself and playment total in one tournament and set a new ing with whatever you brought that day.”

36-hole record in another,” she said in an email “I’m also working on recognizing that golf is message to Golf BruceGreySimcoe. just a game, and my past scores don’t define Coming to the Grand Rapids, Michigan me as a player or a person.”

Rachael Rier school as freshman, “Some days you her first task was to This summer she’s working and practising at Pike Lake Golf Centre near Mount Forest and probably playqualify for tournaments by being top show up at the 5 on the team, which she was able ing in a few tournaments.

“This will be the first year that I really take it slow in terms to accomplish for all except one. course and of tournaments, and I’m looking forward to spending more Her best result came at the you can’t do University of Missouri-St. Louis time golfing for fun rather than constantly playing competition she said.

(UMSL) Triton Invitational in St. anything wrong Charles, Missouri, where she carded golf,” But she also plans to work hard both on her game and in the gym so she’s ready for the fall season at Davenport. rounds of 83-79. It was a personal and you’re “My coach is really looking for me to be a leader on the best for 36 holes that vaulted her ecstatic. Other into 16th place overall in the tourna- team next year, and I’m hoping to step up and fill the roles of the seniors who graduated this year.” ment and made her the top golfer days you’re “I truly believe that you get what you work for, and I will conon her team. tinue to put in the extra effort so that I can contribute more to She also shot 87-88 and tied for hooking our team’s success in the fall.”

10th at the ONU Spring Invitational everything and in Saint Anne, Illinois, helping the team to a second place finish.

RACHAEL’S RESULTS - DAVENPORT PANTHERS WOMEN’S GOLF TEAM can’t make The results came as a nice reward Sept. 9-10, 2017 Screaming Eagle Fall Classic 89-80=169 31st for all the hard work she put in Sept. 23, SVSU Fall Invitational 79-85=164 31st a putt.” during the 2017-18 season.

Sept. 25-26, Crusaders Classic 89-87=176 T-33rd “Being a student athlete definitely kept me busy, but it Sept. 30-Oct. 1 Gilda’s Club Laker Fall Invitational 96-95=191 53rd taught me great time management skills and pushed me to Oct. 16-17 Battle in Belmont 83-94=177 34th achieve more,” she said.

March 17-18, 2018 SVSU Spring Invitational 86-86=172 T-63rd “My days looked something like this; Study hall 7-8:30, March 30-31 ONU Spring Invitational 87-88=175 T-10th Practice 9-11:30, Class 12-5, and workouts in the evening.”

April 7-9 UMSL Triton Invitational 83-79=162 16th Despite the hectic schedule she was able to achieve a April 14 Ashland Invitational (rain shortened) 84 T-47th 3.95 GPA (Grade Point Average) in her Sports Management April 20-22 GLIAC* Championships 94-95-95=284 53rd program. * Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference She also discovered a few keys to her golf game.

New Rates!

Open to May 17, 2018

519-797-3338

400 North Rankin Street, Southampton, ON

(all day) 9 HOLES WALKING $20 9 HOLES WITH CART $30 18 HOLES WALKING $25 18 HOLES WITH CART $35 Rates are per person, all taxes included For more great rates, check out our new website: southamptongolf.ca

Try our golfboards!

Fun way to get around the course www.golfbrucegreysimcoe.com

Monday is Seniors Day. Power carts are $10/person Page 3

A week to remember Legacy Ridge’s Sam Evenue gets inside the ropes to caddy at PGA Tour event

S

Calif. “That was the first ‘wow’ am McEvenue experienced moment,” McEvenue said. one of the best weeks of his Then after a few pointers from tour life over the winter when he pro Harris English about what you got inside the ropes to caddy for a can do during a practice round, they friend during a PGA Tour event in headed to the first tee on the south California. course. They caught up with South The Golf Operations Manager Korean golfer Sangmoon Moon Bae at Legacy Ridge Golf Club near on the third hole and joined him for Owen Sound was on the bag for the rest of the 9-hole round.

Tyler Torano, who like Sam, was Another brush with celebrity came making his PGA Tour debut at the during their Wednesday practice Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey round on the north course when they Pines Golf Club in January. came across Rickie Fowler doing a Torano, who lives near San photo shoot, which involved him hitDiego in Chula Vista, California, ting balls into the ocean. has been friends with McEvenue Their round started at 6:20 a.m. on since they met on a golf course the north course that day and Tyler’s four years ago during one of playing partner was Australian Aaron McEvenue’s annual trips to Baddeley, who McEvenue described Carlsbad, Calif. to visit his brother as the “nicest guy we met all week.” and his family.

When the tournament got under They had talked about way Thursday, Torano was grouped McEvenue caddying for him on with Sam Ryder and Rob the Latinoamerica PGA Tour Oppenheim. That turned out to be a where Torano played during 2017 good thing for McEvenue, who didn’t but that never worked out. have a ton of caddy experience, and But it came together in January, fortunately received lots of help from starting with Torano going to a Oppenheim’s caddy, J.J. Beckstrom. pre-qualifier to see if he could Sam McEvenue, left, with Tyler Torano during McEvenue was so focused on his make the field for the Monday the Farmers Insurance Open PGA Tour event job that he didn’t have much time to qualifier for the Farmers event. at Torrey Pines. take in the experience of being inside With McEvenue on the bag, the ropes at a PGA Tour event.

Torano shot -2 at Carlton Oaks Torano is the kind of golfer who likes to get reassurance Golf Club near Santee and advanced to the Monday qualifier from his caddy on reading putts, wind direction, yardage, eleat El Camino Country Club near Carlsbad where he shot -5 vation changes and other decisions so it was a busy and and finished in the fourth and final spot for the Farmers challenging time for McEvenue. event.

“You’re so locked into what you’re doing and what your It was a dream come true for Torano but the two friends player is doing that you don’t really notice the fans around didn’t have time to savour the moment. Instead, they hopped you,” he said. in a car and made the half-hour drive to Torrey Pines to see The one exception came during the opening round as Tiger if they could get in a practice round that day.

Woods was about to hit his opening tee shot at the event They quickly realized it was the big time when they sat which marked his official return to the PGA Tour after a onedown to register for a practice round and right beside them year break due to injury. was the #3 ranked golfer in the world - Jon Rahm, fresh off Continued next page his win in the CareerBuilders Challenge event in La Quinta,

COME OUT AND PLAY!

CALL US TO HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT!

Challenging 9 Hole - Par 36 Driving Range Open to the Public Memberships Available

(519) 832-5650 WWW.SOUTHPORTGOLFCOURSE.CA bruce road 3 at hwy 21 between southampton and port elgin

Page 4

2018

Honda CR-V Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year

Come see us for your test drive!

RR 5, Sunset Strip, Owen Sound

admin@owensoundhonda.on.ca ww.owensoundhonda.on.ca (519) 371-4040 Family owned and operated for 33 years

Tiger’s opening shot “We were at the 4th hole on the north course when the marshal stopped us because Tiger was about to tee off on the first hole on the south course, which was about 200 or 250 yards away, and he was expecting a lot of noise from the crowd,” he said.

“He (Tiger) hit his tee shot way left and you could see a massive crowd swarming around the ball,” he said.

“He (Tiger) hit his tee shot way left and you could see a massive crowd swarming around the ball.”

After that, McEvenue put his head down and focused on helping his friend have a good first day - something he was able to accomplish with a 73, which put him in contention to make the cut.

The next day Torano, who lives about a half hour south of Torrey Pines, got solid hometown support at the first tee of the south course with loud cheers as he was introduced. “He hit his best tee ball of the week (at the first tee) so that was pretty cool,” McEvenue said.

Being followed by family and friends and with larger galleries than the previous day it got pretty exciting, especially when Torano still had a chance to make the cut after making back-to-back birdies on holes 9 and 10.

But the back 9 on the south course is the toughest of the 36 holes at Torrey Pines and Torano bogeyed 11 and 12 and finished with a 74 (+2) and a +3 total. The cut was at -1.

While disappointing, the result showed McEvenue that his friend has the game to play on the tour. “His play proved that he can compete against the world’s best and I’m sure it won’t be long before he’s back on the PGA Tour.”

And for McEvenue it was a thrill just to be part of it.

“Growing up as a golf fan, and with the love I have for the game and watching the PGA Tour week in and week out to get to see it from inside the ropes was such a cool experience. But it was also great to do it (caddying) for a such a good friend ... and see him play so well under the pressure.”

“It was my best week on the golf course without a golf club in my hand. It was a lot of fun,” he said.

He’d love another opportunity to caddy for Tyler and that may come as the California golfer plans to try to Monday qualify for PGA Tour and Web. com events this season. www.golfbrucegreysimcoe.com

‘Cinderella Boy’

came out of nowhere

Legacy Ridge’s Sam McEvenue, left, with actor Bill Murray and pro golfer Tyler Torano.

Legacy Ridge’s Sam McEvenue meets Caddyshack star Bill Murray in a golf course parking lot

W

hile caddying for his friend Tyler Torano at the Farmers Insurance Open was definitely the highlight of his trip to California this winter, Sam McEvenue had another very cool experience - meeting actor Bill Murray.

The chance encounter occurred at Bayonet Golf Club on the Monetery Peninsula after Torano and McEvenue, who was on the bag that day as well, had just finished up a mini-tour event there.

They were headed to the car when they noticed Murray, whose car was parked near theirs. They introduced themselves and asked for a photo.

Murray, one of the stars of the clas-

sic 1980 comedy Caddyshack, introduced himself by saying, “Hi I’m Bill.” (as if they didn’t know who he was).

There wasn’t a whole lot of conversation but McEvenue said Murray was very friendly.

“He was there playing in preparation for the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and I just wished him good luck in the event, McEvenue said. “That was cool.

(Meeting) a celebrity golf icon.”

In Caddyshack, Murray played Carl the greenskeeper and one of his classic scenes involved Carl pretending he was the “Cinderella Boy” playing in the Masters while lopping off the heads of flowers at Bushwood Golf Club with a weed cutter.

Page 5

Great start to varsity career I

Walkerton’s Blake Mackey goes from walk-on to top player on Fanshawe team

ed about the prospects. Adding to the excitet was quite a first season of varsity golf ment next year is the fact that Fanshawe is for Walkerton’s Blake Mackey. playing host to the OCAA Championship at He wasn’t recruited by the golf coach Firerock. at Fanshawe College and as a walk-on “Next year is a big year for us,” he said. not only made the team but ended up “We’re a nice tight group of boys and we all being the school’s top player during the know what we need to do and we’re excited regular season. about getting it going again.”

He shot 74-76 at the tryouts at Among players returning to the team will be Sunningdale Golf Club - the Falcons home Owen Sound’s Nick Kazarian, who also made course - to finish 2nd among those seekthe team as a walk-on and had a tie for 36th at ing a spot on the team. the second tournament of the season - the Then he shot 70 and tied for third in his Georgian Invitational at Heritage Hills Golf Club first tournament of the season - the near Barrie.

Fanshawe Golf Invitational at Firerock Golf Mackey will be returning for his second year Club in Komoka. in the Golf Management Program and has “They were a little surprised to see me at already decided to take a third year in Business, the start of the year to come out and put giving him two more years to play on the golf up good numbers right away,” he said. team.

“Normally you see a lot of kids who are While very happy with his golf results, walking on being the 8th or 9th members Mackey also enjoyed his program. of the team but I believed in myself. I “It was fantastic. I was really exposed to the knew I could go to Fanshawe and could golf industry which was great. I had a chance to perform the way I do all the time. It was work alongside Canadian PGA professionals nice to go there and put up the numbers I that teach my program as well as superintendid.” dents from the area,” he said.

The past champion on the Grey Bruce Blake Mackey Mackey’s plans for the summer include workJunior Golf Tour followed up his top-3 pering at Walkerton Golf Club again, playing in a formance with another tie for 3rd at the qualifier for the Ontario Men’s Amateur on May Lakehead Orillia College tournament at 22 at Rebel Creek Golf Club near Kitchener and competing Hawk Ridge Golf Club near Orillia on Sept. 22. in Maple Leaf Junior Tour events in August to get ready for Then three days later the 19-year-old was the individual his return to Fanshawe. winner at the Niagara College tourney at Grand Niagara Golf Club.

After that, it was off to the Ontario College Athletic FRESHMAN SUCCESS: Blake Mackey’s Individual Results Association Championship at Crimson Ridge Golf Club in T-3rd Fanshawe Golf Invitational at Firerock Golf Club, Sault Ste. Marie.

Komoka, Sept. 16 (71) Playing in difficult weather conditions, he shot 80-76-84 T-44th Georgian Invitational, Heritage Hills Golf Club near and finished 12th.

Barrie, Sept. 21, (86) He was 2nd best on his team and was only one stroke T-3rd Lakehead Orillia College tournament at Hawk Ridge away from having a shot at playing in the Canadian Golf Club, Sept. 22, (70) University/College Championships.

1st Niagara College tourney, Grand Niagara Golf Club, His team finished fourth, a less-than-satisfying result.

“As a team we weren’t overly happy and we all know we Sept. 22 (70) need to step up. We’re going to be ready for next year,” he 12th - Ontario College Athletic Association Championship, said.

Crimson Ridge Golf Course, Sault Ste. Marie (80-76-84) With 7 of the 10 team members returning, Mackey is excit-

Play the oldest course in Grey-Bruce!

Public Always Welcome To Book a Tee Time call

519-396-2112

or email

kincardinegolf@bmts.com 118 Years!

9 holes Par 36 Just off West Street in Kincardine • 519-396-2112

www.kincardinegolfclub.com

Page 6

www.golfbrucegreysimcoe.com

www.golfbrucegreysimcoe.com

Page 7

Provincial events coming to area

F

Four championships and five qualifiers scheduled for this season

our provincial championships and five qualifiers will be played in the BruceGreySimcoe region this season.

A qualifier for the Ontario Men’s MidAmateur will be held May 22 at National Pines Golf Club near Barrie, while Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club will play host to a qualifier for the Junior Boys championship on May 31.

Blue Mountain will also be the site for two other qualifiers - Junior Boys and Senior Men’s Amateur - on June 14. The course will also play host to the Juvenile Boys qualifier on July 12.

The Ontario Junior Girls and Women’s Match Play championship will take place July 16-17 at Midland Golf and Country Club, while the Junior Boys Match Play championship is scheduled for July 16-19 at Tangle Creek Golf Club near Barrie.

The final provincial event for the region is the Ontario Public Amateur Championship, which is scheduled for Sept. 11-12 at National Pines.

For a complete list of championships, go to gao.ca

Shawn Ringel General Manager

Baywest Nissan 202408 Sunset Strip, RR # 5, Owen Sound 519-372-2277

National Pines Golf Club near Barrie will play host to two provincial events - a Men’s Mid-Am qualifier and the Public Amateur Championship.

SPRING CLEAN-UP WASH & VAC

only $59.95 PLUS TAXES

PROFESSIONAL DETAIL WASH, VAC & WAX

(OR SHAMPOO INTERIOR)

only $109.95 PLUS TAXES

EXECUTIVE DETAIL SHOWROOM RECONDITIONING

only $209.95 PLUS TAXES

www.baywestnissan.ca Page 8

www.golfbrucegreysimcoe.com

Eight events planned for junior tour New ‘fun’ event added before tour officially kicks off

W

hile the Grey Bruce Junior Golf Tour officially kicks off July 4, the tour has added a new “fun” event this year for tour alumni, parents and children on June 3.

The two-person, alernate-shot event will be held at Stone Tree Golf and Fitness Club and is open to the general public.

For more information you can contact Stone Tree Director of Golf Bill Stewart at bill@stonetree.ca or 519 376-7899 ext. 110.

Here is the schedule of official tour events this season: July 4 - Whispering Hills Golf Club near Hanover (qualifier).

July 10 - Scenic City Golf Course east of Owen Sound.

July 19 - Cobble Beach Golf Links north of Owen Sound July 25 - Pike Lake Golf Centre near Mount Forest Aug. 1 - Saugeen Golf Club near Port Elgin Aug. 6 - Meaford Golf Course Aug. 13 - Ainsdale Golf Course near Kincardine Aug. 21 - Legacy Ridge Golf Club north of Owen Sound.

The annual banquet will be held following the final event at Legacy Ridge. At that time awards will be handed out for the top player in each division.

The winners last year were Sean Tippin of Saugeen (Juvenile and Overall), Nick Kazarian of Scenic City and Sauble (Junior), Marc Salnek of Pike Lake (Bantam) and Rachael Rier of Ainsdale and Whispering Hills (Girls).

Players on the tour can apply for scholarships for post-secondary education and last year scholarships worth $3,000 were handed out to four golfers.

Among the recipients was Rier ($1,000) who played Division II golf at Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this season.

Also receiving $1,000 was Kazarian, who played varsity golf with Fanshawe College in London, Ont. during the 2017 season.

Interested players should visit the tour’s website at greybrucejuniorgolftour.ca

Ginny Frook was among the competitors last year on the Grey Bruce Junior Golf Tour.

Get local golf news delivered to your inbox If you’re not already signed up, go to golfbrucegreysimcoe.com and click on Get the Newsletter (right side of Home Page)

Follow

Brucegreysimcoegolf on Facebook

BRUCEGREYSIMCOE www.golfbrucegreysimcoe.com

Page 9

Holiday Golf Club sold

H

But Port Elgin course may continue to operate for a few more years

Stein recalls that it was in rough shape at oliday Golf Club in Port Elgin has been the time he took over. sold to a developer but it may remain in “The grass on the fairways was up to your operation for two or three years before knees and about 6 inches deep on the greens,” the development goes ahead. he said. Despite that, he had the course open Peter Sabbagh, a developer in the Port within 10 days.

Elgin area, is looking for someone to run the He ran the course with his wife for 16 seacourse while he works on his development plan sons but after she died in a car accident he for the 39-acre property. considered selling it. And that’s when John and “My plans are still up in the air. I have to go Susan came forward and offered to operate it. through a lot of zoning changes,” he said in an A 9-hole “Pitch and Putt” golf course was interview. added about 20 years ago but had not been in While the 18-hole par 3 course is not part of operation in recent years. the long-term plans for the property he would 1st hole at Holiday Golf Club.

Stein, who previously owned Whispering really like to see it continue for a few more Hills Golf Club, feels fortunate given the current years. state of the golf industry, to have sold the course.

The course has been managed for the past 16 seasons by “The way the golf industry is right now I feel like I made an John and Susan Stein, who lived in the 100-year-old house escape,” he said. on the property.

He said two things worked in his favour: the booming They have moved out of the house and John has taken a economy in the Port Elgin area and the golf course’s location position with the greenskeeping staff at nearby Southampton right in town and on a busy main thoroughfare (Hwy. 21).

Golf and Country Club.

Stein, at age 79, is happy to retire from his part-time job The course was owned by John’s father, Keith Stein Sr., cutting fairways at his own club. But golf will remain a big who signed off on the sale in January. part of his life as he continues to enjoy the game at The course was developed around 1960 by entrepreneur Southampton G & CC where he has been a member for Earl Putnam who three years later also opened Chippewa many years.

Golf and Country Club, now known as Southampton G &CC. Anyone interested in running the course should contact Holiday had several owners after Putnam and it was in Sabbagh at 416-726-8005. receivership when Keith Stein Sr. bought it in 1986.

2018 Kickoff Event

Alumni & Parent/Child Fun Day

Sunday, June 3 - 1:30 pm Stone Tree Golf & Fitness Club

• Teams of 2 - Alternate shot • 9 holes - Shotgun start • Hamburger/Hot Dog/Sausage dinner • Current Tour Players compete in the Future Links Skills • Competition to qualify for the National Finals at the Canadian Open • First Tee Giveaway • Small Silent Auction and other opportunities to support the Tour • Information on the future of the Grey-Bruce Junior Tour • $75.00 per team Contact bill@stonetree.ca or Stone Tree Pro Shop at 519 376-7899 ext. 110

We’re Open!

Come Come out out and and give give us us aa try! try!

•• Memberships Memberships and and Game Game Packs Packs Available Available

stonetree.ca

Page 10

519-376-7899 stonetree.ca www.golfbrucegreysimcoe.com

AROUND THE CLUBS

Ainsdale More upgrades at Kincardine-area club

A

fter an extensive renovation in 2017, the bar and restaurant at Ainsdale Golf have received further upgrades this year.

The goal is to create an enjoyable sports bar-type atmosphere, says Taylor Candler, who owns the course along with her husband Charles.

The club has also brought in a large variety of new merchandise and brands for 2018, along with a wide selection of Callaway equipment.

They will be doing several fitting days at the range this year, along with carrying an on-site fitting cart to cater to golfers’ needs.

The course will also be introducing several new tournaments, such as the Ainsdale Spring Glow Ball, various member tournaments, the Ainsdale Golf Classic benefiting Kincardine Minor Sports Associations and KDSS Athletics, and Ainsdale Fall Glow Ball.

Cobble Beach Stephen Bardswick new club pro

A

new golf professional has joined the staff at Cobble Beach Golf Links. Stephen Bardswick comes to the Owen Sound-area course after having spent the past four years at Lionhead Golf & Country Club in Brampton, Royal Ontario Golf Club in Milton, BradleeRyall Golf Academy and Port Carling Golf & Country Club.

After finishing high school, he received golf instruction from Sean Foley (former coach of Tiger Woods) Stephen Bardswick at Core Golf Academy in Orlando, Florida.

And as a junior golfer, he was the Canadian team captain in playing in and winning the Euro Junior Golf Cup in Scotland in 2010 against Team USA and Scotland.

He then received a four-year scholarship to play on the golf team at North Carolina Wesleyan College. After graduating, he registered as a CPGA instructor and began competing in CPGA golf tournaments. He finished in the top 50 on the 2016 Ontario CPGA Order of Merit and top 25 in 2017.

He said he’s excited and looking forward to getting to know all the members and staff of Cobble Beach and being able to help golfers at all skill levels improve their golf game.

Artist concept drawing of Braestone Club.

Braestone

New clubhouse in works for this year

B

raestone Club - the former Orillia Golf and Country Club - underwent major improvements to bunkers, fairways and greens this past year and more upgrades to the facility are planned for this season and beyond.

The new state-of-the-art Maintenance Headquarters and the Pump House were nearing completion at press time.

Work on a new farmhouse-inspired clubhouse is expected to begin this July and the club is hoping to have it ready for occupancy by the summer of 2019. It will sit atop the ridge overlooking the Horseshoe Valley.

A new fleet of E-Z-Go golf carts was to arrive this spring along with additional equipment for the grounds.

The big purchase that should show a significant change in rough conditions is the new rough mower.

They plan to continue drainage projects as well as building and improving both new and old cart paths.

“As you saw a great improvement in all areas of the course these past few years you can be sure that this will continue well into the future,” said General Manager/PGA of Canada professional Greg Hickey.

Braestone is located 12 kilometres west of Orillia just off Horseshoe Valley Road on Line 11 North.

More information can be found at braestoneclub.ca www.golfbrucegreysimcoe.com

BRUCEGREYSIMCOE Target Marketing at its Best!

To advertise contact Steve Harron at 519-374-5759 or

harronmarketing@gmail.com

Page 11

AROUND THE CLUBS

Club at Westlinks

Southampton Brent Siekierzycki in new role

S

outhampton Golf and Country Club has made some staff changes as it moves forward with its plan of ongoing improvements.

Brent Siekierzycki has moved into a new role as Director of Development and Operations and will be overseeing both the golf club and the housing development that is scheduled to get rolling this summer. He previously worked as the club’s Turf and Development Consultant.

Back in an expanded role is Mary Gillies, who will look after Food and Beverage and Special Events.

The new position of office administrator has been created and filling that spot is Rethna O’Brien.

Other new faces are chef Darren Mansell, John Stein, formerly of Holiday Golf Club in Port Elgin, and Kyle Kirkland, formerly of Sauble Golf G & CC and Cobble Beach Golf Links, who both join the greens keeping staff.

Brent Siekierzycki Back at the course this year are course superintendent Grant Noble, pro shop manager Larry Pickett and director of golf operations John Schmidt.

“We’ve got a great team now and we’ve got a whole bunch of special events planned this season,” said Siekierzycki.

They’ve also received a shipment of 12 new golf carts and the innovative golfboards will once again be available for those looking to try something different on the golf course.

955-16th Street East, Owen Sound, ON N4K 1Z4 T: 519-371-3660 F: 519-371-8183

S

Tedd Hopkins takes over as GM

ome big changes have taken place over the winter at The Club at Westlinks as work ramps up on a new housing development. General manager Brad Mercer has taken on a new role as site supervisor/construction manager for the development which gets under way this spring.

It’s a natural fit for Mercer, whose family has been in the construction business for four generations now.

“I grew up in the construction industry and worked at construction sites when I was younger,” Mercer said.

He also has an education that will help him in his new job, having graduated with an Applied Bachelor of Business and Golf Course Management degree from Georgian College.

Work has already begun on the model home and that’s where Mercer will have his office when it opens at the end of June if everything goes to Tedd Hopkins plan.

The first phase of the development involves 26 condo townhouses and construction is expected to start in June.

Filling Mercer’s previous role as golf club general manager is Tedd Hopkins, who will also be course superintendent.

The Cambridge, Ont. native has more than 25 years experience in the golf industry and his most recent position was course superintendent at GreenHills, a ClubLink course near London, Ont. Prior to that, he spent 12 years as grounds manager (course and property) for the private River Bend golf course community in London.

He graduated from Olds College in Alberta with a degree in Horticulture with a major in Turf Management and then from the Turf Management program at the University of Massachusetts.

His first golf course job was at Westwood Plateau in Coquitlam, B.C. and he also worked at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club near Calgary and was there in 1999 when it played host to the LPGA Tour’s Du Marier Classic, a Major on the tour at the time.

After returning to Ontario, he worked at various golf clubs.

Previous course superintendent Evan Martin has taken a new job outside the golf industry.

Returning to Westlinks this year are pro shop manager Tiffany Gray and chef Richard Lourie.

GET DRIVING

THE PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC SUV IS HERE. INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW OUTLANDER Baywest MITSUBISHI Sunset Strip, Owen Sound

Page 12

2018 PHEV

519-470-2277

www.baywestmitsubishi.com www.golfbrucegreysimcoe.com

AROUND THE CLUBS

Saugeen Jerry Noga new director of golf instruction

J

erry Noga has been taught by golfing greats Lee Trevino, Larry Mize and George Knudson and instructors Butch Harmon, Hank Haney, Bob Toski and Dr. Gary Wiren.

Now he gets to share that knowledge with local golfers in his new position as Director of Golf Instruction at Saugeen Golf Club near Port Elgin.

Noga has been a golf pro for 30 years and spent 13 of those years working in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island.

Jerry Noga He moved to Alberta in 1999 and his most recent position was with the National Golf Academy in Calgary.

The University of Manitoba graduate (Bachelor of Science Degree in Earth Sciences) had several top-10 finishes in Assistant Pro events and Pro-Ams earlier in his career.

He and his team won the British Columbia PGA Pro-Executive Golf Tournament in 1991.

During his career the Class A professional has developed his understanding and philosophy of the golf swing by studying many professionals.

You can contact him by email at jerrynoga@saugeengolf.com

MEAFORD GOLF COURSE 408 Ridge Road

Beginner Clinics this month

Call for details

(519) 538-1400 Check out

www.meafordgolf.com • Online booking of tee times (from computer or cell phone) Book in advance to guarantee your time

Woodington Lake

W

New pro and pro shop manager

oodington Lake Golf Club near Tottenham has a few new faces in the pro shop this year.

Montreal native Daniel Khan is the new Pro Shop manager and Jon Kiru is the club’s new CPGA assistant professional.

Khan has been in and out of the golf industry for about 25 years and in the 1990s he lived in California and played on local tours there, as well as in Nevada and Arizona.

Kiru comes to the club from Greystone Golf Club in Milton where had been working since returning from Thailand.

He spent five years playing on various tours in Thailand, including the Singha Tour, and Monday qualifying for Asian Tour events.

Kiru, who grew up in Etobicoke, received a golf scholarship at Bethany College in Kansas where he helped his team make it to two National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) conference finals.

IT HAS ARRIVED!!

Nottawasaga

Resort celebrating its 50th anniversary

N

ottawasaga Resort is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season.

Located in Alliston, the resort offers not only 45 holes of golf but also a wide array of activities in a 70,000-square-foot health and fitness centre.

The centre includes a 3-storey, 100-foot waterslide, indoor Tropical Rainforest-themed 25-metre swimming pool, indoor minigolf, squash courts and a fully-equipped gym.

The resort has 269 hotel rooms, including 34 luxurious suites which are furnished with a Jacuzzi and gas fireplace.

For more information, go to nottawasagaresort.com www.golfbrucegreysimcoe.com

THE 2018 HYUNDAI KONA ALL NEW, AND READY TO TEST DRIVE TODAY! Call 519.371.3978 Open 24 hours a day at www.OwenSoundHyundai.com Page 13

GREY-BRUCE ELECTRIC CHARITY GOLF CALENDAR

The 25th annual Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce golf tournament attracted lots of sports celebrities last year. From left are, former NHL player Paul MacDermid, Cory Hayter, son of tournament co-chair Evan Hayter, former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Wendel Clark, Evan Hayter and tournament co-chair Joe Dietrich. This year’s event is June 1 at Saugeen Golf Club.

June 1 - 26th Annual Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce 4-person scramble, Saugeen Golf Club. Celebrities attending include Brian Williams, Billy Smith, Pat Hickey, Curtis Sanford, Paul & Kurtis MacDermid.

June 1 - Owen Sound Hospital Foundation, Legacy Ridge Golf Club, 12:30 p.m. start.

June 2 - Kinettes Breast Cancer tournament, Meaford Golf Course, 12 p.m. shotgun start. For more information contact Bonnie Bumstead @ (519-538-1389).

June 7 - 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament in support of Georgian College, Cranberry Golf Resort, $500 per foursome or $135/golfer, 1 p.m. shotgun start, dinner and prizes & local entertainment. For more information or to register contact the Pro Shop at 705-444-2699 or mbradford@thecranberryresort.com June 15 - Zonta Ladies tournament, Legacy Ridge Golf Club, 1 p.m.

July 6 - Shriners charity event, Legacy Ridge Golf Club, 1 p.m.

July 13 - Rotary Club event, Legacy Ridge GC, 1 p.m. start.

July 26 - 5th Annual Wounded Warriors Classic, 4 person scramble, Legacy Ridge Golf Club. Pipe band, comedian Johnny Gardhouse, musician Doug Downey, lunch, golf with cart and buffet. $50 tax receipt. Cost is $150 or $120 for members.

Aug. 23 - Chippewas of Nawash charity golf tournament, Cobble Beach Golf Links.

Sept. 7 - Swing Your Sticks for Charity, Legacy Ridge GC, 12 noon start.

Sept. 8 - 1st Annual Ainsdale Golf Classic, 1 p.m. shotgun start, 4-person scramble, proceeds to Kincardine Minor Sports associations and Kincardine District Secondary School athletics.

Sept. 14 - Cuff Links tourney, Legacy Ridge GC, 1 p.m. start.

If you have a Charity Golf tournament to promote, please send the details to harronmarketing@gmail.com

Greg Hargest

1475 2nd Ave. East, Owen Sound, Ont. Tel: 519-376-4120 Fax: 519-376-7203 Toll-free: 1-800-265-3194

www.greybruceelectric.com greg@greybruceelectric.com Page 14

www.golfbrucegreysimcoe.com

PHOTO FLASHBACK

Phil Carleton won the 5th Annual Stone Tree Amateur in 2005 by shooting 73-71. The Owen Sound resident finished 6 strokes clear of the field, which included some of the best amateur golfers in the area.

Local McDonald’s locations: • 1015 10th St. W., Owen Sound • 1555 18th St. E., Owen Sound • 278 Goderich St., Port Elgin • 334 Sykes St. S., Meaford www.golfbrucegreysimcoe.com

Page 15

Courses compete in Sr. Ryder Cup

I

Championship scheduled for Sept. 13-14 at Saugeen Golf Club

t’s an exciting year for the Senior Ryder Cup with the yearend championship being held at Saugeen Golf Club near Port Elgin.

This will be the first time the championship has been played outside of the Highway 401/Queen Elizabeth Way corridor.

The event is scheduled for Sept. 13-14.

Saugeen’s Ken Dunlop serves on the Senior Ryder Cup board and was successful in pitching to fellow board members the idea of his club playing host to the championship.

The season-long competition involves no-handicap 2-man matches of various formats at each participating club.

The division winners advance to the championship, which will involve 128 amateur players representing 16 clubs from an area that includes all of southern Ontario, parts of Eastern and Northern Ontario and parts of Michigan and New York states.

In total, more than 100 clubs are involved in the season-long competition.

There has been a realignment in the divisions this season and listed below are the new configurations in the divisions that include BruceGreySimcoe (BGS) courses. The competition dates that were available at press time are also listed.

The BGS courses are shown in red:

Division J Bonaire (TBA) Harbour View (TBA) Bradford Highlands June 12 Silver Brooke July 24 Division O Tangle Creek (TBA) Borden GC (TBA) Settlers Ghost (TBA) Legacy Ridge (July 17) Page 16

April 30 - Inger Yates with a 5 Rescue on #11 at Scenic City. It was witnessed by her husband, Peter Yates.

April 27 - Ron Rayner with a 6-wood on #11 at Scenic City GC. Witnessed by Jeff Morrison.

If you score an ace this season please send the details to: harronmarketing@gmail.com

Good luck!

Baywest Toyota PO Box 1030 Owen Sound, ON N4K 6K6 t: 519-371-2981 f: 519-371-1435 c: 519-270-9748 rewart@baywest.toyota.ca www.baywesttoyota.com

Randy Ewart General Manager

SPRING SERVICE

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS OIL AND FILTER CHANGE

This includes checking: • All tires • Exhaust system • All lights on vehicle • Horn • Windshield Wipers • Air Filter • All fluid levels • Includes up to 5 litres of premium motor oil

COOLING SYSTEM INSPECTION

TIRE ROTATION AND BRAKE INSPECTION

• Remove tires and rotate • Complete front and rear brake inspection

Division C Batteaux Creek TBA Hidden Lake TBA Vespra Hills TBA Spring Lakes May 16

Division I Caledon Woods June 7 Shanty Bay June 19 South Muskoka July 9 Shelburne July 17

Hole-in-One Club

• Check all lines and hoses • Check cooling system for warm weather driving conditions • Check pressure of complete cooling system

Northeast

Division E Cutten Fields July 3 Deer Ridge May 29 Pike Lake June 25 Listowel July 9

Baywest Toyota’s

THROTTLE BODY SERVICE

• Your throttle body is the unit that allows air flow into your engine. We will clean and lubricate linkages, throttle plate and housing so air flow into your engine is not restricted. This will allow maximum fuel economy and performance.

$139.95

+ tax

Division P Barrie County Club (TBA) Muskoka Highlands July 31 Midland June 28 Club at Bond Head July 3 Division R Ainsdale (TBA) Elmira June 14 St. Marys July 16 Saugeen July 23

Southwest Ken Dunlop Division Galt June 19 Whistle Bear July 11 BlackHorse July 9 Seathforth June 25

DID YOU KNOW?

Ainsdale owner ex-teammate of Tanguay

C

urrent LPGA Tour player Anne-Catherine (A.C.) Tanguay played her collegiate golf with Taylor Candler (Schmidt) of Kincardine at the University of Oklahoma.

The Quebec City native is a graduate of Team Canada’s Amateur Squad and earned full status on the LPGA Tour as one the top-10 Symetra Tour athletes in 2017.

Candler is the current owner of Ainsdale Golf Course. www.golfbrucegreysimcoe.com